TMS to see if brain stimulation changes social thinking in adults with higher psychopathic traits
Official title: Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Social Cognition, Cognitive Processing, and Functional Brain Architecture in Psychopathy
Run by University of Colorado, Denver · NCT07635940 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether theta burst brain stimulation helps improve social thinking and brain function in adults with elevated psychopathic traits.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Denver Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, Colorado) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 13, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 2030 |
| Study ends | August 2030 |
| Registry record updated | October 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07635940 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18-60 with elevated psychopathic traits, IQ 80 or higher, and stable or no psychiatric medications for at least 4 weeks.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with certain neurological or psychiatric conditions, MRI contraindications, or significant baseline abnormalities may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In this randomized, sham-controlled study, participants with elevated psychopathic traits will receive three sessions of targeted theta burst stimulation (cTBS to the right dlPFC, iTBS to the right TPJ, or sham). Participants will undergo baseline and post-intervention MRI scans and complete assessments of social cognition and cognitive processing to see if TMS can influence brain networks and behavior. Stimulation targets are individualized using each participant’s neuroimaging data, and safety/feasibility will be monitored throughout. The trial aims to clarify whether noninvasive brain stimulation can modulate neural circuits linked to social and cognitive functioning in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lead to new tools to support social cognition and cognitive processing in people with elevated psychopathic traits.
How similar studies have gone: Previous neuromodulation studies have shown that targeted TMS can modulate cognitive and social processes in other populations, supporting exploration in this group.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-60 years. * Elevated psychopathy as defined by the self-report psychopathy scale. * IQ \>= 80. * No prior diagnosis or current risk of Autism as defined by the autism spectrum quotient. * Negative urine drug screen. * At least 7 Days of abstinence from substance use (excluding nicotine) * Able to provide informed consent. * No change in psychiatric medication regimen, or medication-free, for 4 weeks before study. * Adequate English proficiency to complete study procedures and assessments. Exclusion Criteria: * Current or lifetime DSM-5 psychotic disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or autism spectrum disorder. * IQ \< 80. * Clinically significant neurological disorder or medical illness that would make study participation unsafe, including a history of seizures or significant cardiovascular disease. * Clinically significant abnormality identified on baseline MRI. * Contraindication to MRI or inability to undergo MRI scanning. * Current pregnancy or breastfeeding. * History of head injury resulting in loss of consciousness greater than 15 minutes. * Diagnosis of dementia. * Current prescription for benzodiazepines or anticonvulsants. * Metal implants or non-removable metal objects above the waist. * Lifetime history of prior clinical treatment with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). * Serious risk of suicide or homicide. * Unable or unwilling to comply with study procedures. * History of intractable migraine. * Claustrophobia or inability to tolerate enclosed spaces required for MRI procedures.
Where it's running
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University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Aurora, Colorado, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Drew E Winters, PhD.
- Email: ascend.lab@cuanschutz.edu
- Phone: 303-724-1000
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.